By Tupou Vaipulu Jr
Over 80 women from 18 villages in Tonga participated in a ‘Ngatu Kupesi Tapa Workshop’, organised by HM Queen Nanasipau’u and facilitated by a Tongan master weaver and artists from New Zealand, which concluded with a display at the Pea Town Hall on Friday.
Grandmother, Sulieti Fieme’a Burrows, her daughter Tui Emma Gillies and grand-daughter Aroha Heilala Gillies are three generations of artists who came to Tonga to facilitate the two week-long workshop.
Participants were encouraged to make, use and monetise a single piece of tapa-cloth, using a simple method mastered by Sulieti and her daughter Tui.
Sulieti said she cuts down the very large ngatus into small-sized pieces (about 1-5 meters) for decoration with traditional kupesi designs or other designs, suitable for selling in the marketplace.
"It's important that every design have a story, without the story it's no good" she said.
Sulieti told Matangi Tonga that this method is easier and a way to make good money for women in Tonga.
“This method is less energy and time consuming compared to making larger ngatus,” she said “and they will also make more money selling individual pieces to tourists.”
On Friday, participants showcased their creations including traditional and new kupesi designs that are connected to their respective villages.
Queen Nanasipau’u with Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho and Princess Latufuipeka attended the display on the final day.
The Queen organised the workshop, provided food and was present every day, encouraging with the participants.
